There are few things more unnerving than writing a book and introducing it to others. When it finally goes out, some writers sit back and second guess the whole shebang. It's genius, we think one minute. It's awful, we think the next. And then the first review comes in and if it's good we let out a HUGE sigh of relief. Or at least I do. And guess what my friends? That review has come in and it's, well, fantastic!

Needless to say, I'm thrilled.

Pre-order and then send stories about your unique families for posting.

So of course I love this shirt, and contemplated buying it for Tenzin during the campaign.

But I didn't.

Because I don't want to politicize Tenzin's body any more than it is already. Because he didn't choose Obama himself. Because he is not a walking billboard for my beliefs.

Because it just didn't feel right.

Because politics is a divisive, winner takes all paradigm. Because while I engage and vote, I do not view the world in terms of sides or camps, and would like to allow my son the same freedom for as long as possible.

Because even though I believe in Obama, I am not certain that inculcating my son into the spectacle, the theater, of politics is actually in his best interest.

I love reading black femi power at Alma de fuego. She asks an important question today, referencing a Diego Rivera painting. Here is an excerpt of my comments. You can find the whole thing on the post.

What I like about this image, and many by Rivera is the portrayal of women and men working together to carry the burden. That is what seems to be lost in so many contemporary critiques-- this idea of partnership as a soul maintenance program in the face of empire. Even more, as a mechanism through which accomplishment can be achieved. In that way it is actually a redefinition of success. Success here is the way in which the two are not at odds--their union, the tenderness of it in the face of unspeakable brutality, is more "successful" than any financial gain.

I'm a little late to this conversation, but I feel compelled to weigh in on the question
of whether the Obama children should go to public or private school. I
truly, deeply, completely understand why some feel sending Malia and
Sasha to a private school will indicate an "abandonment" of the public
school system, but still and all I think this is an inappropriate,
bordering on reckless, discussion.

First of all--the question reminds me of Obama's behind the scenes remark in Newsweek:

"So when Brian Williams is asking me about what's a personal thing that
you've done [that's green], and I say, you know, 'Well, I planted a
bunch of trees.' And he says, 'I'm talking about personal.' What I'm
thinking in my head is, 'Well, the truth is, Brian, we can't solve
global warming because I f–––ing changed light bulbs in my house. It's
because of something collective'."

I
don't think sending the girls to public school is going to solve the
unbelievable decline of our schools. And I seriously doubt he will be
less motivated to improve the public school system de facto because he
and Michelle send their girls to a private school.

Then
there is the quality of the DC public school system. They are working
on it, and I have tremendous respect for the teachers and many
excellent public schools, especially the charter schools, in DC, but
the history is fraught with issues. I went to one of the best public schools on Capitol Hill when my father worked for the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under Jimmy Carter, and let's just say it could have been better.

Which
brings us to the question of giving your kids "less" on principle. It
reminds me of parents who believe you shouldn't leave money to your
children because they won't work hard or appreciate the benefits of
self-reliance, which is fine. But what if that somehow compromises the
stability of your children or grandchildren?

Aren't principles, if they undermine long-term viability and health, dysfunctional?

What troubles me about these conversations is the assumption
Malia and Sasha are just like everyone else. They may be in some ways,
but they are not in one very big way: they are the children of the
President of the United States. There are massive security
issues to be managed. Those kids need to be in the most controlled
environment possible. That means contained campuses, administrative
familiarity with similar situations, and all manner of other
considerations.

Safety first. Principles second. Or, what about safety being the overriding principle?

(Regarding homophobia in the black community) I believe the issue of the black church cannot be overstated. And I
hope that more African-Americans of all backgrounds can find a way to
affirm their connection to the divine, or that which transcends
ordinary reality, without dismissing or degrading others.

(Regarding racism in the GLBT community) I think it's important to maintain mental
stability at all points of intersection. There are no
monolithic black or white or GLBTI communities, and we should not proceed
as if there are. Animosity and anger are important but also dangerous
emotions. These directed at a group can create a potentially disastrous
result. Careful, considered response will more likely yield more
positive, non-incendiary results.

Working with people who support the
right of all beings to be free, and cultivating understanding and
compassion for those who do not is a good way to stay sane. It's
certainly worked for Obama. Speaking to the best part of each of us,
the part that wants to act with openness and integrity.

I certainly think it's important to try to build on the Obama win in whatever ways possible, rather than undermine the tremendous feelings of forward momentum. Adding to the rhetoric of change is a good idea. Getting into an alienating, acrimonious war that leaves all of us wounded? Claiming hierarchies of oppression?

When you plant wheat you get wheat. When you plant rage and blame, you get rage and blame. As many philosophers have said:

And this was after a meeting with his Transition
Economic Advisory Board, a group of 17 leaders on economic issues that
includes former U.S. Treasury Secretaries Robert E. Rubin and Lawrence
E. Summers, Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Warren Buffett.

I can finally stop for a second. And breathe. The election wasn’t
stolen.Our candidate is alive. We showed up, changed the world, and
plan to get up tomorrow and do it again. We know this because Obama won
and there is a whole lot of world left to change. We also know this
because President-elect Obama has already sent his supporters an email
requesting our suggestions on public policy. True to form, he expects
our input to begin right now.